Jack Hughes scored at 4:06 of overtime, leading the New Jersey Devils to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night at the Bell Centre. This was not just another win on the ice; it marked the continuation of the Devils' dominance at this rink, having won their ninth consecutive game at the Bell Centre, dating back to April 1, 2018.
The game showcased both skill and resilience. After falling behind 3-1, the Canadiens rallied to tie the game, demonstrating their fighting spirit. Alexandre Carrier netted his first goal for Montreal, bringing the score even with just over 3.5 minutes left to play. The Canadiens' top line, featuring Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, was pivotal, combining for seven points between them.
Despite their efforts, the Canadiens could not secure the win as the Devils proved to be formidable opponents, capitalizing on the opportunities presented. Hughes’ decisive goal capped off the night for New Jersey, who had been seeking to get back on track after struggling with consistency, having lost nine of their previous eleven games.
Jake Allen made 29 saves for the Devils, showcasing his skills after being traded from Montreal last season. This match marked his first regular-season game against his former team, and he played a significant role in maintaining the lead and shutting down Montreal’s offensive threats.
Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes, the rookie goalie for Montreal, made 40 saves but faced his first loss after starting the season with five straight wins. Nevertheless, his performance solidified his position as part of the Canadiens’ future.
From the puck drop, the energy was palpable. The Canadiens celebrated Lunar New Year at the Bell Centre, enhancing the festive atmosphere as fans filled the stands, hoping to witness their team's victory. The Canadiens needed to bounce back after back-to-back losses, and the crowd's enthusiasm was evident as they rallied behind their team.
The Devils struck first, demonstrating offensive pressure early on, but the Canadiens retaliated, scoring two goals to take control of the game momentarily. The turning point came late, as Carrier’s goal ignited hope for Montreal after Suzuki won the faceoff, creating the opportunity for Carrier to launch his slap shot past Allen.
Hughes transformed the momentum back to the Devils as overtime unfolded. Just minutes after Carrier’s equalizer, he made his presence felt, reminding everyone why he is considered one of the league's standout talents. His agility and instinct were on full display as he maneuvered through the Canadiens defense to secure the win, pleasing the New Jersey fans, who are eager for the team to find consistency.
The win was especially important for the Devils after losing their starting goalie, Jacob Markstrom, due to injury earlier. Allen’s performance helped mitigate concerns over the team’s depth and readiness to compete within the tough Atlantic Division.
After the game, Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis expressed pride in his team’s effort but noted the need for improvement. “We showed we can fight back, but we also have to learn how to maintain leads and close out games,” he remarked, summarizing the growing pains of his team as they navigate the challenges of the current NHL season.
Looking to the future, both teams will have important matchups coming up. The Devils are slated to face the Philadelphia Flyers, hoping to build momentum after this hard-fought victory, whereas the Canadiens will host the Winnipeg Jets, aiming to turn their fortunes around after consecutive defeats.
This game was more than just two points; it highlighted the excitement and unpredictability of hockey, especially as playoff races tighten. From Hughes’ game-winner to Carrier’s breakthrough goal, the night captured what makes hockey thrilling: the ups and downs of each game, the unexpected heroes, and the loyalty of fans. The action at the Bell Centre solidified its reputation as one of the league's most dynamic venues, fostering thrilling matchups and unforgettable performances.